An English Gentleman

I determined yesterday to become English gentleman;

And I have this morning bought a bowler hat.

I have bought brown boots and a suit of rare blue serge,

Which the affable one who supplied me with it

Spoke of as Natty, and added his assurance

That I would look Quite the Gentleman.

I have bought white collars and many-coloured ties,

And a walking-stick and a blue-spotted shirt.

Apparelled thus, I strolled this evening down Pennyfields,

And the old men came out with expressions of no-kindness.

They made ugly mouths,

And passed words one to the other of a derisive nature.

But I am young Quong Lee,

Who write verse in the English tongue,

And am quite English gentleman.

And English gentleman

Not suffer himself to be disturbed by hooting of owls.